Penrith mental health charity rated “good”

PENRITH-based mental health charity Eden Community Services has been rated as good by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection in December.

A report published by the CQC rates its personal care support services as being good for safety, leadership, effectiveness, responsiveness and being caring.

The organisation, which is run by the Richmond Fellowship at Abbots Bank, Friargate, provides care to people living in supported accommodation, but only personal care and support offered are regulated by the CQC and therefore form part of the inspection. Only two people were receiving these services at the time of the inspection.

The report said: “People told us the staff team were kind and caring. They spoke positively about the support provided by the service. We observed that there was a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The people we spoke to also commented on the friendliness of the service.

“People had personalised support plans, health plans and activity plans to ensure their individual needs were met. People and their relatives, where appropriate, had been involved as much as possible in the care and support planning process. This helped to make sure their support was personalised to their needs and preferences. Risks to people, including risks relating to the premises and equipment, were effectively assessed, monitored and reduced. Staff knew what to do in an emergency. There was a safe system to manage and administer medicines.”

It added that people were supported with food, drink and shopping where this had been identified in their needs assessments, as well as in relation to their health needs.

It said: “People and their relatives said they felt safe at the service. People were supported by staff that knew them very well. Support workers were knowledgeable about what the signs of abuse might be and how they should report any concerns.

“We saw and heard support workers treating people respectfully. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible. Social inclusion was encouraged. People were supported and encouraged to take part in social activities within the service as well as maintaining links with the community,” said the report.